Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyVariationsFunctionProblemsSymptomsDiagnosisHealth Tips
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Variations
Function
Problems
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Health Tips
Theaortais the largest blood vessel in the body, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to every organ and tissue. It begins at the left ventricle, extends upward through the chest to form an arch, and continues downward, eventually branching into theiliacarteriesjust above the pelvis. Divided into four sections—the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta—it ensures blood reaches areas like the arms, legs, brain, and abdominal organs.
Signs of a problem with the aorta can include severe chest or back pain,shortness of breath, a pulsing feeling in the abdomen, or fainting. Aortic issues, such asaneurysms, are often detected with imaging tests such as ultrasounds and CT scans. To protect the aorta, a balanced diet, regular exercise, andmanaging blood pressureand cholesterol levels are essential.Quitting smokingis also critical, as smoking greatly increases the risk of aortic conditions like aneurysms.
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Aorta Anatomy
The aorta is the largest artery in the body to which all other major arteries are connected.It is a big tube-like structure, usually about 1 inch wide in diameter, although its size varies proportionally to the height and weight of the person.
The aorta is widest at the point where it connects to the heart’s left ventricle through the aortic valve; then, it gets progressively narrower as it descends into the abdomen.
The aorta is divided into four parts:
The aorta also has three layers in its wall:
Where Is My Aorta?Your aorta is located in your chest and abdomen. It starts at the left ventricle of your heart, arches upward through the chest, and then curves downward into the abdomen. From there, it branches into arteries that supply blood to your arms, legs, and other vital organs.
Where Is My Aorta?
Your aorta is located in your chest and abdomen. It starts at the left ventricle of your heart, arches upward through the chest, and then curves downward into the abdomen. From there, it branches into arteries that supply blood to your arms, legs, and other vital organs.
Anatomical Variations
Certain congenital conditions affect the position, structure, or function of the aorta, including:
Most aortic birth defects, when detected early and managed appropriately, can be corrected to prevent long-term health effects.
The main function of the aorta is to supply blood to almost all the major organs in the body through the smaller arteries that arise from it.
Broken down, the function of the different parts of the aorta include:
Aortic Problems
There are several conditions with serious complications that center around or affect the aorta:
Aortic aneurysm:Anaortic aneurysmis a bulge in the wall of the aorta. It is a serious condition because if the aorta ruptures at that spot, it can lead to life-threatening severe internal bleeding and other serious complications.
Aortic atherosclerosis:This occurs when plaque (made up of substances like cholesterol and calcium) collects and hardens inside the aorta blocking the free flow of blood through it and weakening the aortic walls. It can lead to aortic aneurysms, arterial thrombosis,strokes, and anginas.
Aortoenteric fistula (AEF):This is a rare condition in which an abnormal connection forms between the aorta and the bowel. It usually only occurs in patients who have had surgery to treat an aortic aneurysm in the past. It is a life-threatening condition that is difficult to diagnose. Its complications are infections and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Aortobronchial fistula (ABF):This is another rare condition where an abnormal connection forms between the aorta and the tracheobronchial tree—the structure that supplies air to the lungs. This condition usually occurs in people who have aortic aneurysms or have had a previous surgical graft to treat an aortic condition. Its major complication is hemoptysis, or coughing up blood or mucus mixed with blood.
Aortic stenosis:With this condition, the aortic valve doesn’t open completely when it should, making the heart have to pump harder to get blood through the valve and into the aorta. It can lead to complications like left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), diastolic dysfunction, and diastolic heart failure.
Symptoms of Aortic Problems
Symptoms of an aortic problem vary somewhat depending on the cause. Most people with an aortic aneurysm don’t have symptoms unless the aneurysm expands or bursts.
Otherwise, possible symptoms of an aortic aneurysm might include:
A ruptured aortic aneurysm may cause:
Many of these symptoms can be signs of other life-threatening conditions. See a healthcare provider immediately if you experience one or more of these symptoms.
Diagnosis for aortic problems often involve one or more of the following tests and exams:
When diagnosed early, many aortic problems, including aortic aneurysm, can be monitored and successfully treated.
Keeping Your Aorta Healthy
Keeping your aorta healthy is crucial for overall cardiovascular health. Here are some key practices to maintain a healthy aorta:
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked get an ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms even if they have no symptoms.
Summary
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, beginning at the left ventricle of the heart, arching through the chest, and extending down into the abdomen. Its primary function is to carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body’s organs and tissues, branching into smaller arteries as it descends. Signs of an aortic problem can include chest or back pain, shortness of breath, a pulsating feeling in the abdomen, or sudden dizziness and should be addressed promptly.
Keeping your aorta healthy involves managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle habits. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can reduce the risk of conditions like aortic aneurysms and atherosclerosis. Limiting alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight also help protect the aorta from damage and ensure better heart health overall.
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.What is the aorta?.American Heart Association.Your aorta: The pulse of life.University of Florida Health.Aorta Anatomy.Wang X, Carpenter H, Ghayesh M, et al.A review on the biomechanical behaviour of the aorta.J Mechanic Behavior Biomed Material. 2023 Aug;144(1):105922. doi:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105922Yusuf SW, Durand JB, Lenihan DJ, Swafford J.Dextrocardia: An incidental finding.Tex Heart Inst J.Eitler K, Bibok A, Telkes G.Situs inversus totalis: A clinical review.Int J Gen Med. 2022 Mar 3;15:2437–2449. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S295444Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About coarctation of the aorta.Penn Medicine.Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).Yale Medicine.Atherosclerosis of the aorta.Cedars Sinai.Aortic dissection.Cedars Sinai.Penetrating aortic ulcer.Cedars Sinai.Aortoenteric fistula (AEF).Yuan SM.Aortobronchial fistula.Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Feb;68(2):93-101. doi:10.1007/s11748-019-01271-8American Heart Association.Aortic stenosis overview.American Heart Association.Problem: Aortic valve regurgitation.Frankel Cardiovascular Center.Aortitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Aortic aneurysm symptoms.Yale Medicine.Aortic aneurysm.Johns Hopkins Medicine.3 kinds of exercise that boost heart health.Bumrungrad International Hospital.The link between oral hygiene and heart health.Piano M.Alcohol’s effects on the cardiovascular system.Alcohol Res. 2017;38(2):219–241.Additional ReadingDiseases of the aorta and its branches. Merck Manual Professional Edition.American Heart Association.Your aorta: The pulse of life.Cedars-Sinai.Aortic conditions & treatments.MedlinePlus.Bicuspid aortic valve.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.What is the aorta?.American Heart Association.Your aorta: The pulse of life.University of Florida Health.Aorta Anatomy.Wang X, Carpenter H, Ghayesh M, et al.A review on the biomechanical behaviour of the aorta.J Mechanic Behavior Biomed Material. 2023 Aug;144(1):105922. doi:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105922Yusuf SW, Durand JB, Lenihan DJ, Swafford J.Dextrocardia: An incidental finding.Tex Heart Inst J.Eitler K, Bibok A, Telkes G.Situs inversus totalis: A clinical review.Int J Gen Med. 2022 Mar 3;15:2437–2449. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S295444Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About coarctation of the aorta.Penn Medicine.Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).Yale Medicine.Atherosclerosis of the aorta.Cedars Sinai.Aortic dissection.Cedars Sinai.Penetrating aortic ulcer.Cedars Sinai.Aortoenteric fistula (AEF).Yuan SM.Aortobronchial fistula.Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Feb;68(2):93-101. doi:10.1007/s11748-019-01271-8American Heart Association.Aortic stenosis overview.American Heart Association.Problem: Aortic valve regurgitation.Frankel Cardiovascular Center.Aortitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Aortic aneurysm symptoms.Yale Medicine.Aortic aneurysm.Johns Hopkins Medicine.3 kinds of exercise that boost heart health.Bumrungrad International Hospital.The link between oral hygiene and heart health.Piano M.Alcohol’s effects on the cardiovascular system.Alcohol Res. 2017;38(2):219–241.Additional ReadingDiseases of the aorta and its branches. Merck Manual Professional Edition.American Heart Association.Your aorta: The pulse of life.Cedars-Sinai.Aortic conditions & treatments.MedlinePlus.Bicuspid aortic valve.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mount Sinai.What is the aorta?.American Heart Association.Your aorta: The pulse of life.University of Florida Health.Aorta Anatomy.Wang X, Carpenter H, Ghayesh M, et al.A review on the biomechanical behaviour of the aorta.J Mechanic Behavior Biomed Material. 2023 Aug;144(1):105922. doi:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105922Yusuf SW, Durand JB, Lenihan DJ, Swafford J.Dextrocardia: An incidental finding.Tex Heart Inst J.Eitler K, Bibok A, Telkes G.Situs inversus totalis: A clinical review.Int J Gen Med. 2022 Mar 3;15:2437–2449. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S295444Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About coarctation of the aorta.Penn Medicine.Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).Yale Medicine.Atherosclerosis of the aorta.Cedars Sinai.Aortic dissection.Cedars Sinai.Penetrating aortic ulcer.Cedars Sinai.Aortoenteric fistula (AEF).Yuan SM.Aortobronchial fistula.Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Feb;68(2):93-101. doi:10.1007/s11748-019-01271-8American Heart Association.Aortic stenosis overview.American Heart Association.Problem: Aortic valve regurgitation.Frankel Cardiovascular Center.Aortitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Aortic aneurysm symptoms.Yale Medicine.Aortic aneurysm.Johns Hopkins Medicine.3 kinds of exercise that boost heart health.Bumrungrad International Hospital.The link between oral hygiene and heart health.Piano M.Alcohol’s effects on the cardiovascular system.Alcohol Res. 2017;38(2):219–241.
Mount Sinai.What is the aorta?.
American Heart Association.Your aorta: The pulse of life.
University of Florida Health.Aorta Anatomy.
Wang X, Carpenter H, Ghayesh M, et al.A review on the biomechanical behaviour of the aorta.J Mechanic Behavior Biomed Material. 2023 Aug;144(1):105922. doi:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105922
Yusuf SW, Durand JB, Lenihan DJ, Swafford J.Dextrocardia: An incidental finding.Tex Heart Inst J.
Eitler K, Bibok A, Telkes G.Situs inversus totalis: A clinical review.Int J Gen Med. 2022 Mar 3;15:2437–2449. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S295444
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About coarctation of the aorta.
Penn Medicine.Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).
Yale Medicine.Atherosclerosis of the aorta.
Cedars Sinai.Aortic dissection.
Cedars Sinai.Penetrating aortic ulcer.
Cedars Sinai.Aortoenteric fistula (AEF).
Yuan SM.Aortobronchial fistula.Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Feb;68(2):93-101. doi:10.1007/s11748-019-01271-8
American Heart Association.Aortic stenosis overview.
American Heart Association.Problem: Aortic valve regurgitation.
Frankel Cardiovascular Center.Aortitis.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Aortic aneurysm symptoms.
Yale Medicine.Aortic aneurysm.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.3 kinds of exercise that boost heart health.
Bumrungrad International Hospital.The link between oral hygiene and heart health.
Piano M.Alcohol’s effects on the cardiovascular system.Alcohol Res. 2017;38(2):219–241.
Diseases of the aorta and its branches. Merck Manual Professional Edition.American Heart Association.Your aorta: The pulse of life.Cedars-Sinai.Aortic conditions & treatments.MedlinePlus.Bicuspid aortic valve.
Diseases of the aorta and its branches. Merck Manual Professional Edition.
Cedars-Sinai.Aortic conditions & treatments.
MedlinePlus.Bicuspid aortic valve.
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